Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Peter McCall, thanked the Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) for their hard work and commitment at their annual Conference on Saturday 8 October.

The ICVs check on the welfare of detainees in police custody across the county. The volunteers make unannounced visits to custody suites to check on those who are being held in custody, inspect the facilities which include food stores, clothing options and cleanliness of the holds, and check custody records.

Those attending the conference received presentations from Police on County Lines and the Police Dog Unit, which volunteers also complete welfare checks on, and learned more about the Cumbria Deaf Association on how the ICVs can interact with those who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing whilst in custody. The conference also provided the volunteers with the opportunity to meet with the PCC to discuss any issues.

PCC, Peter McCall, said: “The ICVs deliver a fantastic service by providing me with an unbiased account of our Police custody suites.

“The conference gives us all the opportunity to meet up for the first time face-to-face since before the COVID-19 pandemic to learn, chat, share ideas and findings, and celebrate their success.

“The day also gave me the opportunity to thank the volunteers for their hard work and dedication to their role and hear directly from the ICVs about their experiences during their visits.

“We are very fortunate that the scheme in Cumbria is so efficient and effective, thanks largely to the calibre of our ICV volunteer team.

“Their work provides me with the ability to assure the public that anyone who finds themselves in Police custody in Cumbria will be treated with dignity and respect.”